BCSA revise safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

The British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA) has revised its Safe Site Handover Certificate to include safety measures introduced by Public Health England (PHE) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The revision includes the two-metre rule for self-distancing and information on regular cleaning of surfaces, such as access and egress points (where hand sanitisers are needed), canteens and welfare facilities.

The updated certificate has been circulated to all BCSA steelwork contractor members. They are advised not to go on site until the client and main contractor have put all the health and safety measures in place and signed the certificate.

It has been reported that there is confusion over construction sites remaining open and whether they are safe places to work. Workers are worried and concerned for their safety and consequently some sub-contractors have decided to remove staff from sites.

The BCSA understand that in order to retain workers on site some main contractors are using contractual threats, while others are trying to off-load their site health and safety responsibilities to their sub-contractors.

Following recent feedback from its members, the BCSA is reminding clients and main contractors that they have a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act. This means they have to adopt measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of harm where their activities could result in harming people other than their own employees.

Tim Outteridge, President of the BCSA said: “This epidemic is unprecedented and more than ever at this time it is essential that clients and main contractors understand their health and safety responsibilities and stop putting our workers in danger.”